Sometimes I just can't be bothered to live my life. I know I'm intelligent. I got 4 A*s, 4 As and 2 Bs at GCSE. But last year I messed up because I couldn't be bothered. My teachers have decided to get me back on track and have given me all the advice to do that. But did they ask whether I wanted to get back on track? Did they ask whether I think it's just too much bother to apply to university? It's so much hassle. I'd rather just stay here and not do anything. Just get a full time job. I put off doing my homework for my Alevels. I'm 18 now so it's my own choice right? I just can't see the point. I just don't care.
(or maybe I'm afraid of people thinking I'm dumb if I try and then fail)
Posted by anonymous at December 16, 2005 11:34 AMDo what would make you happy. Seriously examine your life and try to find what would be good for you, and don't let anyone stop you from doing it.
Posted by: anon at December 16, 2005 11:46 AMget an education!! Do ANYTHING but nothing. You will regret it when you are older. GO TO COLLEGE!!!!!
Posted by: at December 16, 2005 12:50 PMi hope you enjoy working in mcdonalds until you retire
Posted by: at December 16, 2005 1:45 PMI never went to college as well. Quit school shortly before going to College and started my own business with IT consulting and media/online services. I had no startup cash. It just grew out of my know-how and some part-time clients.
This was 7 years ago. I'm almost 24 now.
Today in 2005/2006 the business has grown to 5 employees, 200 small to large clients and another business partner in-house doing the IT jobs.
Many of my fellows from school are still going to University and starting real jobs in about 4 years.
The past years have been so much work but fun as well and I don't regret doing what I did so far.
But it's not only about money. If I don't mess this one up leaving school has been the best decision I made, ever.
And what I'm trying to say is: if you're tough enough to make your own decisions and trust yourself and know what you're capable of -- go ahead and take the other road. sure, it's more risk. but no risk, no fun.
Posted by: Seb at December 16, 2005 5:00 PMI think the success stories above are exceptions. They got lucky. As far as people thinking you're dumb if you try and then fail, the truth is: you're dumb if you don't try.
Yeah, I agree: Good luck working at McDonald's until you retire.
Posted by: at December 17, 2005 8:00 AMAny of the success stories from the above are people who could be bothered. If not A-levels, then You have to find what you are bothered about and you could do just as well. Otherwise;- Good luck working in McDonald's 'til you retire.
Posted by: at December 17, 2005 3:44 PMTo talk with you I have to tell you where I come from. I grew up with nothing in my family. My dad was a drunk, my mom tried to raise my brothers and me on a secretary's salary, and my parents didn't have any education (dad 3rd grade, mom high school) to speak of. My brothers fled our miserable family life through the military, but I waited and went to junior college and then a state school and beyond. I couldn't imagine getting out of my family and poor community any other way. I went on to get my B.A., M.A. and now Ph.D. To me finishing school was and is a complete transformation of my life. The most important things I got from that was self-confidence and a drive to be the best I can be and now the legitimacy of my schooling to back me up in whatever I choose to do. I have so many choices; I am so happy in this way.
Do the grades mean anything in particular? No, not exactly. It's really about where you are going in life in general. It sounds like "not caring" to you means giving up on ambitions that might be facilitated by education. That's fine if you know what you're doing. Nearly all my friends I had in the town I grew up had attitudes like yours. My old friends (now in their 50's) are living and making it but they look at me with envy; their kids want to be like me, or many do; with their live-for-today attitudes decades ago they never understood why I worked so hard. At the time I didn't know how desperate I was never to live the horrible life I experienced with my family. In retrospect I did the right things--in my opinion. My closest friends from long ago, who I love and respect (and I think it's mutual) even though we are worlds apart now, tell me privately that they wish they'd gone on my path but that it's too late now. All of them were bright enough--I'm no fucking genius, just a hard worker--but they lacked the ambition.
So you have a choice. You can be 18 and do whatever you fucking want. Drink on it. Sit on it. Do whatever with it. In my opinion if you have a choice just continue with your education despite your ambivalence and ride it out. Despite what anyone says it won't hurt you and in the long run it is very likely to help you build your social capital and be successful--and meet some good people who will be your lifelong friends who have similar feelings as you--such is life. You have a choice. Make a good one. Don't set yourself up for long term regrets.
Im in the exact same place as you. I got 2 A*s, 5 As and 2 Bs at GCSE and really wondering what the point in everything is. But i do think what has been said above is a bit harsh. Just because you don't go to college and/or Uni doesn't make your life pointless and incomplete. But i must say that it's easier to get an academic education when it's free and you've been conditioned for working for the last 13 years.
Some of the most intelligent people i know aren't wise. Wisdom can only be achieved by living your life...who cares about what a piece of paper can say about how intelligent you are? Do what makes you happy and don't get influenced by other people.